DUPLESSIS MARIE: (1824-1847) Born Alphonsine Rose Plessis. French Courtesan and mistress to a number of prominent ...

DUPLESSIS MARIE: (1824-1847) Born Alphonsine Rose Plessis. French Courtesan and mistress to a number of prominent men. She was the inspiration for Marguerite Gautier, the main character of La Dame aux Camélias (1852) by Alexandre Dumas fils, one of Duplessis' lovers. She inspired Violeta of Verdi´s opera La Traviata (1853). Extremely rare A.L.S., `Alphonsine´, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 25th November, n.y., to her uncle, in French. Duplessis explains to her correspondent how busy she is and that she has sent to him and her aunt a parcel with clothes, and states in part `I have received the money that you have sent to me, and I thank you for the effort you have made for me; I would like to be already in Summer tin order to enjoy your presence in Paris..´ On a post-scriptum and before concluding, saying `I beg you tell Rolin that I have met his son, and that he is keeping well. My message of friendship to the home of the English, tell them that I think in them.´ With blank address leaf bearing few ink postmarks. Overall age wear with small staining and tear to the address leaf. G